Who is the Worst WWE Champion in 2023: An SEO-Optimized Analysis

The debate over who holds the worst WWE Championship title in the current era has sparked much discussion among fans. In this article, we will delve into the opinions and analyses surrounding potential contenders, focusing on key factors that contribute to the characterization of a great champion.

The Case Against Jinder Mahal

While Jinder Mahal has held the title, the consensus is that he is not 'World Champion material' as he should not have been in this role. Although he was part of the classic SmackDown rivalry gaining traction, Mahal's performance and qualifications in terms of traditional wrestling skills and audience connect did not meet the expectations to justify holding such a prestigious title. His on-screen persona and the stories surrounding his title runs are also under scrutiny, making him a consistent contender in this debate.

Braun Strowman: The Poster Boy for Missteps in WWE

Braun Strowman is often cited as the worst WWE champion, not just in the present but throughout history. There are several reasons for his inclusion:

Iconic Foundations and Missteps: Goldberg, a well-established WWE legend, had a perfect 173–0 streak and managed to maintain a strong and recognizable character. His comeback and beating Brock Lesnar in under two minutes, despite his portrayal as an unbeatable force, falls far short of the legacy and skill that established champions bring.

Lack of Comprehensive Champion Qualities: Strowman's title reign is often criticized for a lack of multi-faceted champion qualities. Unlike legends like John Cena or Seth Rollins, Strowman struggles to deliver the same impact in terms of mic work, promos, and audience connection. Key moments that define a champion, such as the Awesome attire and Seth Rollins' Curbside (among many others), are notably absent during Strowman's tenure. While his power and physical skills are undeniable, the overall package fails to materialize the essence of a great WWE champion.

Other Candidate Champions and Their Watchdog Status

Other contenders like Drew McIntyre and Rooster Bayley have shown their capabilities as champions in various ways:

Drew McIntyre: McIntyre's era as champion was marked by memorable promos and impactful matches. His rivalry with Seth Rollins was a standout, and his leadership on SmackDown has contributed to higher ratings. Despite occasional cries of underperformance, McIntyre's charisma and connection with the audience are still a notable factor.

Rooster Bayley: Bayley's turn as a heel has achieved some level of success. His persona and gimmick have entertained audiences, but this needs to be further recognized by WWE itself. Bayley's ongoing efforts to elevate his character have been commendable.

Asuka: The inclusion of Asuka in this conversation is less about ongoing underperformance and more about her role and impact. Asuka has provided more than enough momentum and entertainment value, becoming a fan favorite.

Miz and Morrison: These two are consistently entertaining, and their roles as heel tag team partners have provided numerous highlights. However, they are currently not the primary focus for the title reign.

The Standing of Adam Cole: A Mix of Good and Bad

The case of Adam Cole, despite being charismatic and a good heel performer, faces significant scrutiny. WWE has seen NXT outdraw AEW in recent times, particularly with segments featuring Cole. This trend indicates that fans may be experiencing fatigue with his long-running championship reign. Cole's segments are not generating the same level of engagement or excitement as before, indicating that he might not be the best champion currently holding the title.

Unfortunately, Adams has not been able to consistently provide the engaging and quality content that WWE fans expect from a champion. This means that his performance on the mic, promos, and overall presence in the ring are not sufficient to justify his holding the title.

Conclusion

While the WWE championship is highly contested and always evolving, it's clear that some current and past champions have not delivered the full package necessary for recognition in the hall of fame. Braun Strowman and to some extent, Jinder Mahal and Adam Cole, fall short of the qualities expected of top-tier champions. However, the evolving landscape of WWE and constant changes to roster and storylines mean that perceptions and opinions continue to shift.

Stay tuned for more WWE updates and analyses as the wrestling scene continues to evolve.